Meltingly soft chickpeas combined with briny olives and tangy tamarind is full of heady aroma and flavor. This versatile recipe works perfectly as a cozy meal, as part of an appetizer plate, or with baked eggs for a gourmet take on shakshuka.

• Step 1

  Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

• Step 2

  Combine tamarind paste and 1 cup boiling water in bowl and let sit for at least 15 minutes. Using your hands, squeeze tamarind paste until diluted into water. Strain mixture through coarse-mesh strainer set over bowl, pressing on solids with spoon to extract as much tamarind mixture as possible. Discard solids.

• Step 3

  In a 9 x13 baking dish, combine Tomato Bliss, chickpeas, chili pepper (if using), raisins, olives and tamarind liquid. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 30-45 minutes until the mixture is bubbling and the chickpeas are soft.

• Step 4

  Remove the foil, sprinkle with herbs and cheese if using, and serve. Best served when slightly cooled or at room temperature.